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Things have been easy with Chris since we got back from Hawaii, and I genuinely feel like he’s trying to make this work. Granted, his motives are likely not entirely pure, but this—whatever it is—is tolerable. A few decades of light banter isfine. It’ll help me avoid the Gallaghers, the media will never know what Alex did, and no one gets hurt.
Except Alex.
And me.
Webothlose.
I rehearse my manifestation statement over and over:Congresswoman Taylor.If I say it enough, maybe I’ll forget about Alex and how he stole a piece of my soul.
Offering a bright smile, I finally reply, “Oh, I don’t know, maybe a quarter mil?”
“That’s it?” he playfully scoffs, pulling me into him by my lower back. I steady myself with my hands placed on his chest, and the simple touch has his entire posture relaxing. “I would’ve thought at least a half.”
“I’d stop bidding at three-fifty, wait until the very last second, then outbid some sweet old lady… Just to see you sweat up there. Then again, I'm the auctioneer this year, so I can’t bid on you. You’re on your own.”
Kissing my forehead, he asks quietly, “Why wasn’t it like this before?” while smiling against my skin.
“What do you mean?” I pull back and frown, even though I knowexactlywhat he means.
“I don’t remember us having fun. Everything was so rigid and scheduled.” Chris grins at me and mocks, “Dinner at seven-thirty with your parents tomorrow, charity event the next afternoon, media appearance that evening…”
“That’s not how I sound,” I laugh, swatting his chest.
“I know, but that’s how it felt. It doesn’t excuse anything, but I’m realizing now more than ever that I was such a fucking idiot. I should’ve taken you out more, gone on more vacations, spent quality time together. Just…more. I’ve missed years with you.”
Chris leans in to kiss me as a woman’s throat clears behind him. “Hope I’m not interrupting.”
I peer around him and find Ileah and her husband, Tim, both looking exceptionally nervous. Unable to hide my smile, and with no one else around, I step out of Chris’ hold and hug her tightly.
“Not at all. I’m so happy you were able to make it.” When I pull back, Chris’ eyes are in narrow slits, pinned on Tim. “Chris,” I say cheerfully, “You remember my friend Ileah? And, of course, you know Tim.”
Chris’ jaw is tight, as he musters, “Yes, of course, how could I forget?”
Inviting Ileah and Tim was a risk, but if Chris really wants this to work, I don’t want to sneak away for secret coffees or book club chats. I don’t expect Chris and Tim to be friends, I want to be able to invite her into our home and not have anyone feel uncomfortable.
“You are the bridge,” Alex’s voice repeats in my head.
I take my Old Fashioned and shake it side to side. “So, am I the only one drinking tonight?”
Ileah looks at my drink for a moment longer than necessary. “Old Fashioned with extra cherry? You know, a friend of ours drinks those”—she gestures to my glass—“when he’s celebrating. Tim, who was it?”Seriously, Ileah?He gives her a knowing look, and I am so utterly screwed. They’re friends with Alex, of course they know what he drinks. My stomach twists into knots. “Are we celebrating? I hope so.”
“Oh? Is it Alex?” I offer, grateful Chris didn’t pick up on it first. “He told us the same thing when he came to visit us in Hawaii. Didn’t he?”
Chris doesn’t answer right away, so I lightly nudge his side with my elbow. “Oh, right. Yes. We were celebrating the wedding my brother missed. Drunk driver. So sad.”
Fuck, how is this man in politics when he can’t even tell a simple, believable fib about a drink?
Ileah shakes her head with a chuckle, likely able to see right through our lies. “Yes, your brother! That’s who it was. Didn’t you drink those at your wedding, Chris? Ididn’t realize you and Alex had so much in common.”Fuck, does she know it was Alex?“So, what are we celebrating?” She turns to the bartender. “Excuse me, may I have a Gimlet when you have a moment?”
Directing her attention back to me, Ileah opens her mouth to say something when a silky voice behind her interrupts, “I’ll have what she’s having.” With her eyes wide, she slowly turns until I’m able to see his side profile.
Finn.
Chris wraps his arm around my lower back, tightly gripping my hip. It’s possessive and protective. “The attendees will be entering shortly, Jackie,” he grits out, fear dripping from his voice.
I nod and excuse myself, “Ileah, it was so great to see you and Tim. I have to check on the silent auction. Catch up with you two later?”
Shit, she looks like she’s seen a ghost. I’ll have to ask her about it when there’s more time. Maybe I should stay? “Yes. Later,” are the only words she’s able to manage.
